Description

4 years ago I was unhappy with the sound of my car system compared to my home systems. I was using a highly rated head unit and CD changer, but the sound quality was poor. I started to experiment with DACs in the car inspired by Wes Philips of Stereophile. One of my first attempts was a Sony Discman with Toslink out into a Cal Gamma DAC. The sound was fabulous. One of my first tweaks was a Theta TLC which really improved the highs and bass. I then read an artice in Audio Electronics by Gary Galo called "Optimizing the S/PDIF". He discussed the importance of using a true 75 ohm cable with BNC connectors. I then made 75 ohm cables with BNC connectors with parts from The Parts Connection. I modified my DAC and TLC by adding 75 ohm BNC connectors. The sound improvement was as large as adding the TLC. I recently removed the BNC cables and hard wired 75 ohm cable between the "jitter boxes". This was another significant improvement. In the last year I have slowly replaced the Kimber PBJ interconnects with Cardas Cables. Cardas Crosslink is the same price as the PBJ, but much richer with greater harmonics. However, my favorite Cardas is the Neutral Reference. I would appreciate any upgrade ideas any of you have. Thanks
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Components Toggle details

    • Sony CDX-828
    10 Disc Car CD Changer
    • Chord Optichord
    Toslink cable from UK
    • Theta TLC
    Jitter reduction
    • Illuminati Ohm-Aha
    75 ohm thin coax cable
    • Theta TLC
    Jitter reduction box
    • Illuminati Ohm-Aha
    75 ohm digital cable
    • Monarchy Audio DIP MKII
    Jitter reduction box
    • DH Labs D-110
    AES/EBU 110 ohm cable
    • Assemblage UJB-1
    Jitter reduction box
    • DH Labs D-110
    AES/EBU Digital Cable
    • Theta Digital DSPro Basic IIIa
    DAC w balanced outputs
    • Cardas Neutral Reference
    0.5 meter
    • Audio Control EQL
    9 band w balanced inputs
    • Streetwires ZN 5.0
    5 meter cable
    • ALPS Black Beauty
    10K pot
    • Streetwires ZN 5.0
    5 meter
    • Audio Control 4XS
    4 way active xover
    • Cardas Neutral Reference
    0.5 meter
    • Cardas Cross
    0.5 meter
    • Cardas Quadlink 5C
    0.5 meter
    • Cardas Crosslink
    1.0 meter
    • Soundstream Picasso
    4 Channel
    • Soundstream D-100 II
    2 x 100W for mid woofers
    • Soundstream Class A 5.0
    500W x 1 for subwoofer
    • Kimber 4TC
    60' for tweeter and midrange
    • Kimber 8PR
    40' for midwoofer and subwoofer
    • Dynaudio System 340
    3 way component set
    • Eclipse 10
    Dual voice coil aluminum cone
    • Radio Shack 140W
    140 Watt Inverter

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My system is installed in a 99 BMW 323i.

bjack70jr